We know that you love Reading Carnival and we thank you for your support.

Unfortunately, the weather has been very unkind to us in the past few years and an opportunity has arisen for us to change the date to the end July instead of May. For the past 31 years Reading Community Carnival has been on the May Bank Holiday so everyone knows the date without even looking. Therefore, we understand that changing the date is a major decision  and should not be taken lightly. That is where we need your help - what do you think?

There are arguments both ways, for example, some people say "Why change it? A bit of rain doesn't stop carnival." and "It has been in May for 31 years so why change it now?". Others, including some of our valued sponsors, say "May is too wet. If it was in July, the weather will be better".

We on the Committee have decided that the date remains unchanged for 2009. We believe that we must hear the views of as many people as possible over the coming year before we make a decision on the date of future Carnivals.

Please let us know your views by sending an e-mail to readingcarnival@hotmail.com. Let us know which date you prefer and why. Please tell all your friends and ask them to e-mail us too. If you are part of a group or association, please put this item on the agenda for your next meeting and let us know when it is so that we can come and hear your members views.

Thank you again for your support. We look forward to hearing your views.